Quality Engineer

Position: Quality Engineer (Permanent)
Location: Welwyn Hatfield

Quality Engineer

Role Purpose

To ensure that products manufactured meet the highest quality standards required for aerospace and defence applications. The Quality Engineer plays a critical role in maintaining compliance with industry regulations and customer requirements, supporting continuous improvement, root cause analysis, and the development of quality control systems across production processes.

Key Responsibilities

Product and Process Compliance:

Ensure products conform to AS9100, ISO 9001, customer, and internal quality standards.
Support the development and implementation of inspection and test plans (ITPs).
Maintain traceability and quality records in line with regulatory and internal requirements.

Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Actions:

Lead or support investigations of non-conformances (NCRs) and customer complaints.
Implement effective corrective and preventive actions using structured problem-solving techniques (e.g. 8D, 5 Whys, Ishikawa).
Ensure timely closure of quality issues with appropriate documentation.

Quality Assurance

Activities:

Conduct internal audits and support external and customer audits.
Review and approve quality-related documentation including FAIRs (AS9102), control plans, PPAPs, and inspection reports.
Support calibration and control of inspection equipment.

Supplier Quality:

Support supplier evaluation and approval processes.
Conduct supplier audits and performance reviews as required.
Review and resolve supplier non-conformances.

Continuous Improvement:

Identify and implement opportunities for process and product quality improvement.
Participate in cross-functional improvement initiatives including lean and Six Sigma projects.
Monitor quality KPIs and trends to drive data-driven improvements.

Regulatory and Customer Compliance:

Ensure adherence to ITAR, export control, and MoD-specific quality requirements where applicable.
Liaise with customers on quality matters including audits, product issues, and documentation.

Documentation and Systems:

Maintain and update quality management systems (QMS) documentation.
Ensure quality records are properly completed, stored, and controlled.
Use ERP, MRP, and digital QMS tools to manage quality workflows.

Required Skills and

Competencies:

Strong understanding of AS9100 and aerospace / defence quality standards.
Proficient in root cause analysis and problem-solving methodologies.
Experienced in interpreting engineering drawings and technical specifications (including GD&T).
Knowledge of FAIRs, PPAP, APQP, and other quality planning tools.
Familiarity with ITAR, Export Control, and MoD quality regulations (preferred).
Excellent communication skills and the ability to influence cross-functional teams.
Competent in MS Office and QMS/ERP software.

Qualifications and

Experience:

HNC / HND or Degree in Engineering, Quality, or a related technical field.
Minimum of 3 – 5 years in a quality role within aerospace or defence manufacturing.
Trained internal auditor (AS9100/ISO 9001).
Six Sigma Green Belt or equivalent (desirable).
Knowledge of gear manufacturing processes (grinding, hobbing, heat treatment) is an advantage.

Benefits:

Employer pension contribution (6%)
Annual bonus
25+ days holiday
Training and development funding
Life assurance